Ceiling fan for establishing a system for local control of a space

ABSTRACT

A ceiling fan for a space is provided. The ceiling fan can include a first communication interface configured to provide communications between the ceiling fan and a plurality of peripheral devices over a local network. The ceiling fan can further include a second communication interface configured to provide communications between the ceiling fan and an external network. The ceiling fan can further include one or more control devices configured to provide one or more control signals to control operation of one or more of the peripheral devices.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to ceiling fans and, moreparticularly, to ceiling fans for local control of peripheral deviceswithin a space.

BACKGROUND

Fans (e.g., ceiling fans) can be used to circulate air within a space.With the advance of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, in-home devicesare configured to communicate over one or more communication links. Forinstance, devices can send and/or receive information usingcommunication technologies, such as Bluetooth low energy, Bluetooth meshnetworking, near-field communication, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Ethernet, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will beset forth in part in the following description, or may be learned fromthe description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

In one aspect, a ceiling fan for a space is provided. The ceiling fancan include a first communication interface configured to providecommunications between the ceiling fan and a plurality of peripheraldevices over a local network. The ceiling fan can further include asecond communication interface configured to provide communicationsbetween the ceiling fan and an external network. The ceiling fan canfurther include one or more control devices configured to provide one ormore control signals to control operation of one or more of theperipheral devices.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings that areincorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification,illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill inthe art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to theappended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a ceiling fan suspended from aceiling according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 provides an exploded view of a ceiling fan according to exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 provides a bottom-up view of a ceiling fan according to exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 provides a block diagram of components of a ceiling fan accordingto exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 provides a block diagram of components of a system according toexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 provides an exemplary graphical user interface according toexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 provides flow diagram of a method for controlling conditionswithin a space using a system comprising a ceiling fan and a pluralityof peripheral devices according to exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 8 provides a block diagram of components of a control deviceaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made in detail to embodiments, one or more examples ofwhich are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by wayof explanation of the exemplary embodiments and not limitation of thepresent disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variations can be made to theembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentdisclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part ofone exemplary embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield astill further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of thepresent disclosure cover such modifications and variations.

Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a ceiling fanfor a space, e.g., an indoor commercial or residential space or anoutdoor space. The ceiling fan can include a first communicationinterface configured to provide communications between the fan and aplurality of peripheral devices located within the space over a localnetwork. The ceiling fan can further include a second communicationinterface configured to provide communications between the fan and anexternal network. As will be discussed below in more detail, the ceilingfan can include one or more control devices configured to provide one ormore control signals to control operation of one or more of theplurality of peripheral devices.

In some implementations, one or more of the plurality of peripheraldevices within the space can be an air freshener dispenser. In suchimplementations, the one or more control devices of the fan can provideone or more control signals over the local network to control operationof the one or more air freshener dispensers. In particular, the one ormore control signals can be associated with activating the one or moreair freshener dispensers to dispense air freshener. In this manner, thescent of the space can be controlled via the one or more air freshenerdispensers.

In some implementations, one or more of the plurality of peripheraldevices can be a light source configured to illuminate the space. Inparticular, the one or more light sources can be separate from the fan.In such implementations, the one or more control devices of the fan canprovide one or more control signals over the local network to controloperation of the one or more light sources. For example, in someimplementations, the one or more light sources can be dimmable lightsources. In this manner, the one or more control signals can beassociated with adjusting the intensity (e.g., brightness) of the lightoutput of the one or more light sources. For instance, the one or morecontrol signals can be associated with increasing the intensity of thelight output. Conversely, the one or more control signals can beassociated with decreasing the intensity of the light output.

In some implementations, the one or more control signals can beassociated with adjusting a color and/or color temperature of the lightoutput of the one or more light sources. For instance, the one or morecontrol signals can be associated with adjusting the color of the lightoutput from a first color to a second color that is different than thefirst color. It should be appreciated, however, that the one or morecontrol devices of the fan can be configured to provide one or morecontrol signals associated with adjusting one or more characteristic ofthe light output of the one or more light sources.

In some implementations, one or more of the plurality of peripheraldevices located within the space can be an audio output device (e.g., aspeaker). In such implementations, the one or more control devices ofthe fan can provide one or more control signals over the local networkto control operation of the one or more audio output devices. Inparticular, the one or more control signals can be associated withbroadcasting audio data (e.g., music) via the one or more audio outputdevices. In some implementations, the audio data can be associated witha streaming service (e.g., Spotify, iTunes, etc.). As will be discussedbelow in more detail, the one or more control devices can be configuredto control operation of one or more of the peripheral devices accordingto a mood profile that corresponds to the mood of a user within thespace.

In some implementations, a user can interact with a user interfaceimplemented on, for instance, one or more computing devices (e.g.,smartphone, tablet, etc.) to provide data indicative of the user's mood.The graphical user interface can, in some implementations, present alist of a plurality of predefined mood profiles for the space. Each ofthe plurality of mood profiles can include configuration data for atleast one of the fan and the plurality of peripheral devices. Theconfiguration data can be different for each of the plurality of moodprofiles. In this manner, the each of the plurality of mood profiles cancorrespond to a different mood.

In some implementations, the user can select a mood profile from thelist of the plurality of predefined mood profiles that corresponds tothe mood of the user. For instance, the user can interact with aninterface element to provide data indicative of a user request for aselected mood profile from the plurality of predefined mood profiles. Inresponse to selecting the mood profile for the space via the graphicaluser interface, at least one of the fan and the plurality of peripheraldevices can be configured according to the configuration data associatedwith the selected mood profile. In this manner, the atmosphere of thespace can be configured according to the selected mood profile tocorrespond to the mood of the user within the space.

In some implementation, the graphical user interface can present aplurality of images. Each of the plurality of images can be associatedwith a corresponding mood profile of the plurality of mood profilesincluded in the list. For instance, the plurality of images can includea first image associated with a first mood profile (e.g., Mood ProfileA) of the plurality of mood profiles included in the list. Furthermore,the plurality of images can include a second image associated with asecond mood profile (e.g., Mood Profile B) of the plurality of moodprofiles included in the list. The second image can be different thanthe first image. For instance, the first image can, in someimplementations, be a smiley face emoji. Conversely, the second imagecan, in some implementations, be a crying face emoji. In this manner,the plurality of mood profiles can be distinguished from one anotherbased, at in part on, the images.

In some implementations, the one or more control devices of the fan canbe configured to determine a mood profile for the space based, at leastin part, on data obtained from one or more sensors located within thespace. The one or more sensors can, in some implementations, be includedas part of the fan or one or more of the plurality of peripheraldevices. Alternatively, the one or more sensors can, in someimplementations, be separate from the peripheral devices. As will bediscussed below in more detail, the one or more sensors can include anysuitable type of sensors configured to obtain data indicative of a moodof a user within the space.

In some implementations, one or more of the sensors located within thespace can be an audio input device (e.g., a microphone). In this manner,the one or more audio input devices can detect audio data indicative ofaudible noise associated with one or more verbal cues (e.g., sighing,laughing, crying, etc.) indicative of the user's mood. In suchimplementations, the one or more control devices of the fan can beconfigured to process audio data (e.g., either locally or remotely usinga server or other remote device) indicative of the audible noise todetermine a mood profile for the space based, at least in part, on theaudio data. For instance, in some implementations the one or morecontrol devices of the fan can be configured to select a mood profilefrom a plurality of predefined mood profiles for the space based, atleast in part, on the audio data indicative of audible noise associatedwith one or more verbal cues indicative of the user's mood.

As an example, the one or more control devices of the fan can beconfigured to select a predefined mood profile corresponding to a happymood in response to the one or more control devices determining theaudio data indicative of audible noise detected by the one or moresensors includes one or more verbal cues (e.g., laughter) indicative ofthe user being in a happy mood. As another example, the one or morecontrol devices of the fan can be configured to select a predefined moodprofile corresponding to a sad mood in response to the one or morecontrol devices determining the audio data indicative of audible noisedetected by the one or more sensors includes one or more verbal cues(e.g., crying) indicative of the user being in a sad mood.

In some implementations, the one or more control devices of the fan canbe configured to mute the one or more microphones when the user presentwithin the space is on a call with another user via a mobile computingdevice (e.g., smartphone). In this manner, the one or more microphonescannot detect audible noises while the user is on the call. As such, theprivacy of the call occurring within the space can be maintained.

In some implementations, one or more of the sensors can be configured toobtain data indicative of a location of the user within the space. Forinstance, one or more sensors can be a pressure sensor located atdifferent locations within the space. In this manner, the one or morecontrol devices of the fan can obtain data indicative of the location ofthe user within the space from the one or more pressure sensors.Furthermore, the one or more control devices of the fan can beconfigured to determine a mood profile for the space based, at least inpart, on data obtained from the one or more pressure sensors andindicative of a location of the user within the space.

In some implementations, one or more of the sensors can be configured todetect ambient light levels within the space. In this manner, the one ormore control devices of the fan can obtain data indicative of ambientlight levels within the space from the one or more sensors. Furthermore,the one or more control devices of the fan can be configured todetermine a mood profile for the space based, at least in part, on thedata indicative of ambient light levels within the space. For instance,when data indicative of ambient light levels within the space indicatesthe ambient light levels are below a predetermined threshold, the one ormore control devices of the fan can be configured to select a moodprofile from a plurality of predefined mood profiles for the space thatcorresponds to a sad mood.

In some implementations, the one or more control devices of the fan canbe configured to determine the mood profile for the space based, atleast in part, on weather data associated with the space. For example,the one or more control devices of the fan can be configured todetermine the mood profile for the space corresponds to a sad mood whenthe weather data indicates it is raining. As another example, the one ormore control devices of the fan can be configured to determine the moodprofile for the space corresponds to a happy mood when the weather dataindicates it is sunny.

In some implementations, the one or more control devices of the fan canbe configured to determine the mood profile for the space based, atleast in part, on calendar data. For instance, the one or more controldevices can be configured to access a calendar (e.g., Outlook) stored ona mobile computing device associated with the user present within thespace. In this manner, the one or control devices of the fan can beconfigured to determine the mood profile for the space based, at leastin part, on one or more events (e.g., birthday, graduation, etc.)included on the calendar. The one or more control devices of the fan canbe configured to determine the mood profile based, at least in part, ondata indicative of the current day and time. For instance, the

In response to determining the mood profile for the space, the one ormore control devices can be configured to provide one or more controlsignals over the local network to control operation of one or more ofthe peripheral devices according to the determined mood profile for thespace. In this manner, the one or more control devices of the fan canconfigure the one or more peripheral devices within the space accordingto the mood of the user within the space.

The ceiling fan of the present disclosure can provide numerous technicalbenefits. For instance, the two separate communication interfaces canallow the ceiling fan to bridge communications between the externalnetwork and the local network. Furthermore, the one or control devicesof the ceiling fan can be configured to determine a mood profile for thespace that corresponds to the mood of a user within the space.Furthermore, the one or more control devices of the fan can controloperation of one or more peripheral devices within the space accordingto the mood profile. In this manner, the ceiling fan can be configuredto adjust the atmosphere of the space to accommodate the present mood ofthe user within the space.

As used herein, the term “mood profile” refers to configuration data forthe ceiling fan within a space, one or more peripheral devices withinthe space, or both. In addition, the terms “first” and “second” may beused interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and arenot intended to signify location or importance of the individualcomponents.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1 through 3 depict a ceiling fan 100according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The fan 100can be removably mounted to a ceiling 110 separating a first space 112(e.g., positioned beneath the ceiling 110) from a second space 114(e.g., positioned above the ceiling 110). In some implementations, thefan 100 can include a plurality of fan blades 130. As shown, each theplurality of fan blades 130 can be coupled to a blade hub 132. Morespecifically, each of the fan blades 130 can be coupled to the blade hub132 via a blade arm 134. It should be appreciated that the blade arm 134can be coupled to the blade hub 132 and a corresponding fan blade 130via any suitable type of fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, etc.). As shown,the fan blades 130 can be coupled to the blade hub 132 via the blade arm134 such that the fan blades 130 are spaced apart from one another alonga circumferential direction C.

In some implementations, the fan 100 can include a motor 140. The motor140 can be configured to receive an input power from a power source,such as an alternating current (AC) power source or a direct current(DC) power source. Furthermore, the motor 140 can be operatively coupledto the fan blades 130 via the blade hub 132. In this manner, the motor140 can convert the input power into mechanical energy needed to driverotation of the fan blades 130 along the circumferential direction C. Insome implementations, the motor 140 can be configured to drive rotationof the fan blades 130 in a first direction D₁ or a second direction D₂that is different than the first direction D₁. For instance, the fanblades 130 can move air in the first space 112 towards the ceiling 110when rotated in the first direction D₁. Conversely, the fan blades 130can move air away from the ceiling 110 when rotated in the seconddirection D₂. More specifically, the fan blades 130 can move air towardsa floor 116 defining the first space 112.

In some implementations, the fan 100 can include a fan motor housing 150configured to accommodate the motor 140. More specifically, the motor140 can be positioned within a cavity 152 defined by the fan motorhousing 150. In addition, the fan 100 can include a cover 154 that canbe coupled to the fan motor housing 150. In particular, the cover 154can be coupled to the fan motor housing 150 such that the motor 140positioned within the cavity 152 can be hidden from view.

As shown, the fan 100 can be suspended from the ceiling 110 via adownrod 160 having a first end 162 and a second end 164. It should beappreciated that the first end 162 and the second end 164 can be spacedapart from one another along a length L of the downrod 160. In exampleembodiments, the first end 162 of the downrod 160 can be coupled to asupport (e.g., mounting bracket) positioned within the ceiling 110 orthe second space 114. In addition, the fan motor housing 150 can becoupled to the second end 164 of the downrod 160.

In some implementations, the fan 100 can include a light source 170operable to illuminate the first space 112. For instance, the lightsource 170 can be included within a lighting fixture (not shown) thatcan be removably coupled to the fan motor housing 150 via any suitablemechanical fastener (e.g., screws). It should be appreciated that thelight source 170 can include any suitable type of light sourceconfigured to illuminate the first space 112. For instance, in someimplementations, the light source 170 can include an array of lightemitting diodes (LEDs).

In some implementations, operation of the fan 100 can be controlled by acontrol system 166. More specifically, the control system 166 caninclude a wall-switch that can be manipulated to selectively couple themotor 140 to a power supply. In this way, the control system 166 canselectively activate (e.g., turn on) or deactivate (e.g., turn off) themotor 140 to control rotation of the fan blades 130. In someimplementations, the control system 166 can control operation of otherdevices. For instance, the control system 166 can be configured toadjust a position of window blinds (not shown) in the first space 112.More specifically, the control system 166 can adjust a position of thewindow blinds to or towards a fully open position or a fully closedposition. In this way, an amount of natural light entering the firstspace 112 through one or more windows can be controlled.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , the fan 100 can include one or more controldevices 200. The fan can further include a first communication interface210 and a second communication interface 220. The first communicationinterface 210 can be configured to provide communications between thefan 100 and one or more devices over a first network. For instance, insome implementations, the first network can be a Bluetooth network. Inthis manner, the fan 100 can communicate with one or moreBluetooth-enabled devices over the Bluetooth network. In someimplementations, the first network can be a WiFi network. In thismanner, the fan 100 can communicate with one or more Wifi-enableddevices over the WiFi network. In some implementations, the firstnetwork can be a LoRa network. In this manner, the fan 100 cancommunicate with one or more LoRa-enabled devices over the LoRa network.It should be appreciated, however, that the first network can includeany suitable type of local network implementing any suitable type ofprotocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wifi, Lora, etc.).

In some implementations, the second communication interface 220 can beconfigured to provide communications between the fan 100 and one or moredevices over a second network that is different than the first network.For example, the second network can be a WiFi network. In this manner,the fan 100 can communicate with one or more WiFi-enabled devices overthe WiFi network. As another example, the second network can be acellular network. In this manner, the fan 100 can communicate with oneor more cellular devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.) over thecellular network.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a system 300 for controlling conditions (e.g.,scent, lighting, music, temperature, etc.) within a space 310 isprovided according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Insome implementations, the space 310 can be a room of a residential homeor apartment. For example, the space 310 can correspond to a bedroom orbathroom of the home or apartment. It should be appreciated, however,that the space 310 can correspond to any suitable room of the home orapartment. For instance, in some implementations, the space 310 cancorrespond to the den or living room of the home or apartment.

As shown, the system 300 can include the fan 100 and a plurality ofperipheral devices 320. Furthermore, although the system 300 of FIG. 5only includes two peripheral devices 320, it should be appreciated thatthe system 300 can include more or fewer peripheral devices 320. As willbe discussed below, the one or more control devices 200 of the fan 100can provide one or more control signals to control operation of one ormore of the peripheral devices 320.

In some implementations, the first communication interface 210 (FIG. 4 )of the fan 100 can be configured to provide communications between thefan 100 and the plurality of peripheral devices 320 over a local network330 (e.g., first network). In this manner, the one or more controldevices 200 (FIG. 4 ) of the fan 100 can provide one or more controlsignals over the local network 330 to control operation of one or moreof the peripheral devices 320.

In some implementations, one or more of the plurality of peripheraldevices 320 can be an air freshener dispenser. In such implementations,the one or more control devices 200 of the fan 100 can provide one ormore control signals over the local network 330 to control operation ofthe one or more air freshener dispensers. In particular, the one or morecontrol signals can be associated with activating the one or more airfreshener dispensers to dispense air freshener. In this manner, thescent of the space 310 can be controlled via the one or more airfreshener dispensers.

In some implementations, one or more of the plurality of peripheraldevices 320 can be a light source that is separate from the fan 100. Theone or more light sources can be configured to illuminate the space 310.In such implementations, the one or more control devices 200 of the fan100 can provide one or more control signals over the local network 330to control operation of the one or more light sources. For example, theone or more light sources can be dimmable light sources. In this manner,the one or more control signals can be associated with adjusting theintensity (e.g., brightness) of the light output of the one or morelight sources. For instance, the one or more control signals can beassociated with increasing the intensity of the light output.Conversely, the one or more control signals can be associated withdecreasing the intensity of the light output.

In some implementations, the one or more control signals can beassociated with adjusting a color and/or color temperature of the lightoutput. For instance, the one or more control signals can be associatedwith adjusting the color of the light output from a first color to asecond color that is different than the first color. It should beappreciated, however, that the one or more control devices 200 of thefan 100 can be configured to provide one or more control signalsassociated with controlling one or more characteristics of the lightoutput of the one or more light sources.

In some implementations, one or more of the plurality of peripheraldevices 320 located within the space can be an audio output device(e.g., speaker). In such implementations, the one or more controldevices 200 of the fan 100 can provide one or more control signals overthe local network to control operation of the one or more audio outputdevices. In particular, the one or more control signals can beassociated with outputting audio data (e.g., music) through the one ormore audio output devices. For example, in some implementations, theaudio data can include a song or list of songs to be played through theone or more audio output devices.

In some implementations, one or more of peripheral devices 320 can be athermostat of a heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systemused to cool or heat the space 310. In such implementations, the one ormore control devices 200 of the fan 100 can provide one or more controlsignals over the local network 330 to the thermostat to controloperation of the HVAC system. For instance, the one or more controlsignals provided to the thermostat can be associated with activating theHVAC system to heat or cool the space 310. Alternatively, the one ormore control signals provided to the thermostat can be associated withdeactivating the HVAC system to cease heating or cooling of the space310 via the HVAC system.

In some implementations, one or more of the peripheral devices 320 canbe a humidifier. In such implementations, the one or more controldevices 200 of the fan 100 can provide one or more control signals tocontrol operation of the humidifier. For instance, the one or morecontrol signals can be associated with activating the humidifier toincrease the humidity of air within the space 310. Conversely, the oneor more control signals can be associated with deactivating thehumidifier when the humidity of the air within the space 310 correspondsto a predetermined setpoint.

In some implementations, one or more of the peripheral devices 320 canbe a dehumidifier. In such implementations, the one or more controldevices 200 of the fan 100 can provide one or more control signals tocontrol operation of the dehumidifier. For instance, the one or morecontrol signals can be associated with activating the dehumidifier todecrease the humidity of air within the space 310. Conversely, the oneor more control signals can be associated with deactivating thehumidifier when the humidity of the air within the space 310 correspondsto a predetermined setpoint.

In some implementations, the second communication interface 220 (FIG. 4) of the fan 100 can be configured to provide communications between thefan 100 and an external network 340 (e.g., second network) that isseparate from the local network 330. In this manner, the fan 100 cancommunicate with one or more mobile computing devices 350, such as amobile telephone, tablet, laptop, or other similar wireless-enableddevices, over the external network 340. As will be discussed below inmore detail, the fan 100 can be configured to control conditions withinthe space 310 based, at least in part, on data indicative of the mood ofa user within the space 310.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , a user can interact with a graphical userinterface 352 implemented on, for instance, the one or more mobilecomputing devices 350 to provide data indicative of the user's mood. Asshown, the graphical user interface 352 can present a list 354 of aplurality of predefined mood profiles for the space 310. Each of theplurality of mood profiles can include configuration data for at leastone of the fan 100 and the plurality of peripheral devices 320.Furthermore, the configuration data can be different for each of theplurality of mood profiles such that each of the plurality of moodprofiles corresponds to a different mood. The user can select a moodprofile from the list 354 of the plurality of predefined mood profilesthat corresponds to the mood of the user. For instance, the user canselect the mood profile by interacting with an interface element, suchas interface element 356. In this manner, at least one of the fan 100and the plurality of peripheral devices 320 can be configured accordingto the configuration data associated with the selected mood profile tooperate according to a mood profile that corresponds to the mood of themood of the user.

In some implementation, the graphical user interface 352 can present aplurality of images. Each of the plurality of images can be associatedwith a corresponding mood profile of the plurality of mood profilesincluded in the list 354. For instance, the plurality of images caninclude a first image associated with a first mood profile (e.g., MoodProfile A) of the plurality of mood profiles included in the list 354.Furthermore, the plurality of images can include a second imageassociated with a second mood profile (e.g., Mood Profile B) of theplurality of mood profiles included in the list 354. The second imagecan be different than the first image. For instance, the first imagecan, in some implementations, be a smiley face emoji. Conversely, thesecond image can, in some implementations, be a crying face emoji. Inthis manner, the plurality of mood profiles can be distinguished fromone another based, at in part on, the images.

In some implementations, the one or more control devices 200 of the fan100 can be configured to determine a mood profile for the space 310based, at least in part, on data obtained from a plurality of sensors360 located within the space 310. In some implementations, one or moreof the plurality of sensors 360 can be onboard the fan 100.Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the plurality of sensors360 can be onboard one or more of the peripheral devices 320. In someimplementations, one or more of the plurality of sensors 360 can beseparate from the fan 100 and the plurality of peripheral devices 320.

In some implementations, one or more of the sensors 360 can be an audioinput device (e.g., microphone). In this manner, the one or moremicrophones can detect audible noise associated with one or more verbalcues (e.g., sighing, laughing, crying, etc.) made by the user andindicative of the user's mood. In such implementations, the one or morecontrol devices 200 of the fan 100 can be configured to process audiodata indicative of the audible noise to determine the user's mood.Furthermore, the one or more control devices 200 of the fan 100 can beconfigured to select a mood profile from a plurality of predefined moodprofiles for the space 310 based, at least in part, on the audio dataindicative of the audible noise obtained from the one or more sensors360. For example, the one or more control devices 200 of the fan 100 canbe configured to select a predefined mood profile corresponding to ahappy mood in response to the one or more control devices 200determining the audio data indicative of audible noise detected by theone or more sensors 360 includes one or more verbal cues (e.g.,laughter) indicative of the user being in a happy mood. As anotherexample, the one or more control devices 200 of the fan can beconfigured to select a predefined mood profile corresponding to a sadmood in response to the one or more control devices 200 determining theaudio data indicative of audible noise detected by the one or moresensors 360 includes one or more verbal cues (e.g., crying) indicativeof the user being in a sad mood.

In some implementations, the one or more control devices 200 of the fan100 can be configured to mute the one or more microphones when the userpresent within the space 310 is on a call with another user via a mobilecomputing device (e.g., smartphone). In this manner, the one or moremicrophones cannot detect audible noises while the user is on the call.As such, the privacy of the call occurring within the space 310 can bemaintained.

In some implementations, the one or more sensors 360 can be configuredto obtain data indicative of a location of the user within the space310. For instance, the one or more sensors 360 can be pressure sensorslocated at different locations within the space 310. In this manner, theone or more control devices 200 of the fan 100 can obtain dataindicative of the location of the user within the space 310 from the oneor more sensors 360. Furthermore, the one or more control devices 200 ofthe fan 100 can be configured to determine the mood of the user withinthe space 310 based, at least in part, on data obtained from the one ormore pressure sensors and indicative of a location of the user withinthe space 310.

In some implementations, the one or more sensors 360 can be configuredto detect ambient light levels within the space 310. In this manner, theone or more control devices 200 of the fan 100 can obtain dataindicative of ambient light levels within the space 310 from the one ormore sensors 360. Furthermore, the one or more control devices 200 ofthe fan 100 can be configured to determine the mood of the user withinthe space 310 based, at least in part, on the data indicative of ambientlight levels within the space 310. For instance, the one or more controldevices 200 of the fan 100 can be configured to determine the user is ina sad mood when ambient light levels within the space 310 are below apredetermined threshold.

In some implementations, the one or more control devices 200 of the fan100 can be configured to determine a mood profile for the space 310based, at least in part, on the data obtained from the one or moresensors 360. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more controldevices 200 of the fan 100 can be configured to determine the moodprofile for the space 310 based, at least in part, on weather dataassociated with the space 310. For example, the one or more controldevices 200 of the fan 100 can be configured to determine the moodprofile for the space 310 corresponds to a sad mood when the weatherdata indicates it is raining. As another example, the one or morecontrol devices 200 of the fan 100 can be configured to determine themood profile for the space 310 corresponds to a happy mood when theweather data indicates it is sunny. In this manner, the weather data,the data obtained from the one or more sensors 360, or both can be usedto determine the mood profile for the space 310.

In response to determining the mood profile for the space 310, the oneor more control devices 200 can be configured to provide one or morecontrol signals over the local network 330 to control operation of oneor more of the peripheral devices 320 according to the determined moodprofile for the space 310. For example, the one or more control signalscan be associated with adjusting the color of the light output of one ormore light sources within the space 310 according to the mood profile.Alternatively or additionally, the one or more control signals can beassociated with activating one or more air freshener dispensers withinthe space 310 to dispense air freshener having a scent according to themood profile and corresponding to the mood of the user with the space310.

In some implementations, the one or more control signals can beassociated with playing music via the one or more speakers according tothe mood of the user within the space 310. For example, a first playlistor radio station can be played over the one or more speakers when themood of the user within the space 310 corresponds to a happy mood.Alternatively, a second playlist or radio station that is different thanthe first playlist or radio station can be played over the one or morespeakers when the mood of the user within the space 310 corresponds to asad mood.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , a flow diagram of a method 400 for controllingconditions within a space using a system comprising a ceiling fan and aplurality of peripheral devices is provided according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the method 400 willbe discussed herein with reference to the system 300 described abovewith reference to other figures, such as FIG. 5 . However, it should beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosedmethod 400 can generally be implemented with ceiling fans having anyother suitable configuration. In addition, although FIG. 7 depicts stepsperformed in a particular order for purposes of illustration anddiscussion, the method discussed herein is not limited to any particularorder or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosureprovided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methoddisclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or adapted invarious ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

At (402), the method 400 can include obtaining, by one or more controldevices of a ceiling fan, data indicative of a mood of a user within thespace. In some implementations, the data indicative of the mood of theuser can be a user request for a selected mood profile from a pluralityof mood profiles for the space. In particular, a user can interact witha user interface implemented on a mobile computing device to implementthe user request for the selected mood profile for the space. It shouldbe understood that the interaction can be a touch interaction, clickinteraction, or other interaction indicative of the user request for theselected mood profile for the space.

In some implementations, data indicative of the user's desired orprogrammed mood can be obtained via one or more sensors of the system.For example, the one or more sensors can be microphones configured todetect audible noise. In this manner, the one or more sensors can detectaudible noise associated with one or more verbal cues (e.g., sighing,laughing, crying, etc.) indicative of the user's mood. In suchimplementations, the one or more control devices of the fan can beconfigured to process the audible noise associated with one or moreverbal cues indicative of the user's mood. In this manner, the one ormore control devices can determine the user's mood based, at least inpart, on the audible noise detected by the one or more microphones.

At (404), the method 400 can include determining, by the one or morecontrol devices, a mood profile for the space based, at least in part,on the data obtained at (402). In some implementations, the mood profiledetermined at (404) can correspond to a mood profile selected via theuser interacting with a user interface implemented on a mobile computingdevice associated with the user. In some implementations, the dataobtained at (402) can be indicative of the mood of more than one userwithin the space. For instance, the data obtained at (402) can includefirst data indicative of the mood of a first user within the space andsecond data indicative of the mood of a second user within the space. Insuch implementations, the one or more control devices can be configuredto determine the mood profile for the space based, at least in part, onthe first data and the second data. More specifically, the one or morecontrol devices can be configured to determine a mood profile thataccommodates the mood of the first user and the mood of the second user.For instance, the one or more control devices can be configured adjustfirst configuration data associated with a first mood profilecorresponding to the mood of the first user and second configurationdata associated with a second mood profile corresponding to the mood ofthe second user to generate configuration data for a third mood profilethat represents a blend of the first mood profile and the second moodprofile.

At (406), the method 400 can include providing, by the one or morecontrol devices of the fan, one or more control signals to controloperation of one or more of the peripheral devices based, at least inpart, on mood profile determined at (404). In some implementations, theone or more control signals can be provided over a local network tocontrol operation of the one or more peripheral devices according to theselected mood profile for the space. In this manner, the one or moreperipheral devices can be controlled according to the data obtained at(402).

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of suitable components of the one ormore control devices 200. As shown, the control device(s) 200 caninclude one or more processors 202 configured to perform a variety ofcomputer-implemented functions. As used herein, the term “processor”refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as beingincluded in a computer, but also refers to a controller,microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC),an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field ProgrammableGate Array (FPGA), and other programmable circuits.

In addition, the control device(s) 200 can include a memory device 204.Examples of the memory device 204 can include computer-readable mediaincluding, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media,such as RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, or other suitable memorydevices. The memory device 204 can store information accessible by theprocessor(s) 202, including computer-readable instructions 206 that canbe executed by the processor(s) 202. The computer-readable instructions206 can be any set of instructions that, when executed by theprocessor(s) 202, cause the processor(s) 202 to perform operations. Thecomputer-readable instructions 206 can be software written in anysuitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. In someexample embodiments, the computer-readable instructions 206 can beexecuted by the control device(s) 200 to perform operations, such asproviding one or more control signals to control operation of one ormore peripheral devices of a system for a space. The memory device 204can further store data 208 that can be accessed by the control device(s)200. In example embodiments, the data 208 can include a plurality ofpredefined mood profiles for a space in which the fan and peripheraldevices are located.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific example embodiments thereof, it will be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, andequivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the presentdisclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, andthe subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of suchmodifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matteras would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ceiling fan for a space, the ceiling fancomprising: a first communication interface configured to providecommunications between the ceiling fan and a plurality of peripheraldevices over a local network; a second communication interfaceconfigured to provide communications between the ceiling fan and anexternal network; and one or more control devices configured to provideone or more control signals, via the first communication interface, tocontrol operation of one or more of the peripheral devices, based ondata indicative of a mood profile for the space, wherein the one or morecontrol devices are configured to obtain the data indicative of the moodprofile for the space by presenting a user with a plurality ofpredefined mood profiles for the space, prompting the user to select themood profile from the plurality of predefined mood profiles for thespace, and receiving the data indicative of the mood profile for thespace from the user to the ceiling fan via the second communicationinterface.
 2. The ceiling fan of claim 1, wherein the one or morecontrol devices are configured to provide at least one control signal tocontrol operation of at least one of the peripheral devices based onaudio data associated with one or more verbal cues indicative of themood of the user.
 3. The ceiling fan of claim 1, wherein: the localnetwork comprises a Bluetooth network; and the external networkcomprises a Wifi network or a cellular network.
 4. The ceiling fan ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more control devices are configured toprovide at least one control signal to control operation of at least oneof the peripheral devices based on weather data, calendar data, eventdata, ambient light data, or time of day data.
 5. The ceiling fan ofclaim 1, further comprising: one or more fan blades; and a motoroperatively coupled to the one or more fan blades, the motor configuredto drive rotation of the one or more fan blades.
 6. A method forcontrolling conditions within a space using a system comprising aceiling fan and a plurality of peripheral devices, wherein the ceilingfan comprises: a first communication interface configured to providecommunications between the ceiling fan and the plurality of peripheraldevices over a local network; a second communication interfaceconfigured to provide communications between the ceiling fan and anexternal network; and one or more control devices, the methodcomprising: obtaining, by the one or more control devices of the ceilingfan, data indicative of a mood profile for the space by presenting auser with a plurality of predefined mood profiles for the space,prompting the user to select the mood profile from the plurality ofpredefined mood profiles for the space, and receiving the dataindicative of the mood profile for the space from the user to theceiling fan via the second communication interface; and providing, bythe one or more control devices, via the first communication interface,one or more control signals to control operation of one or more of theperipheral devices of the system based on the data indicative of themood profile for the space.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein one ormore of the plurality of peripheral devices comprise at least oneselected from an air freshener dispenser and a light source.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the one or more control signals areassociated with controlling operation of the air freshener dispenser todispense air freshener having a scent corresponding to the mood profileselected by the user.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or morecontrol signals are associated with adjusting one or morecharacteristics of a light output of the light source according to themood profile selected by the user.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe one or more characteristics of the light output include a color ofthe light output.
 11. The method of claim 6, comprising obtaining, bythe one or more control devices, data indicative of a mood of a userwithin the space from one or more sensors within the space.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the one or more sensors comprise at leastone selected from a microphone and a pressure sensor.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the data indicative of the mood of the user comprisesaudio data indicative of the mood of the user.
 14. The method of claim6, comprising: determining a second mood profile for the space byprocessing, by the one or more control devices, the audio data; andproviding, by the one of more control devices, one or more secondcontrol signal to control operation of at least one of the peripheraldevices of the system according to the determined second mood profile.15. A system for controlling conditions in a space, the systemcomprising: a plurality of peripheral devices; and a ceiling fancomprising: a first communication interface configured to providecommunication between the plurality of peripheral devices and theceiling fan over a local network; a second communication interfaceconfigured to provide communications between the ceiling fan and anexternal network; and one or more control devices configured to provideone or more control signals over the local network, via the firstcommunication interface, to control operation of the plurality ofperipheral devices, based on data indicative of a mood profile for thespace, wherein the one or more control devices are configured to obtainthe data indicative of the mood profile for the space by presenting auser with a plurality of predefined mood profiles for the space,prompting the user to select the mood profile from the plurality ofpredefined mood profiles for the space, and receiving the dataindicative of the mood profile for the space from the user to theceiling fan via the second communication interface.
 16. The ceiling fanof claim 1, wherein the one or more control devices are configured topresent the user with the plurality of predefined mood profiles for thespace, and prompt the user to select the mood profile, on a graphicaluser interface, the graphical user interface displaying a list of theplurality of predefined mood profiles.
 17. The method of claim 6,wherein the presenting and the prompting are performed on a graphicaluser interface, the graphical user interface displaying a list of theplurality of predefined mood profiles.
 18. The system of claim 15,wherein the system is configured to present the user with the pluralityof predefined mood profiles for the space, and prompt the user to selectthe mood profile, on a graphical user interface, the graphical userinterface displaying a list of the plurality of predefined moodprofiles.